The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

GOOD FRIDAY

A RITUAL PERFORMED AT MY CHURCH, ALL SAINTS, IS THE ACTING
OUT OF THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS ON GOOD FRIDAY. THIS USUALLY
INCLUDES OUR PARISH PRIEST ACTING AS CHRIST AND THE
CONGREGATION PLAYING THE ACCOMPANYING PARTS.
THROUGHOUT THE CEREMONY, THE PRIEST WEARS A SIMPLE WHITE
PATTERNLESS VESTMENT. THIS SYMBOLIZES,
FOR OUR CELEBRATION, THE PURITY OF CHRIST,
THE SIMPLICITY OF HIS MESSAGE, AND THE UNIQUE
CONDITIONS OF THE CHURCH ON GOOD FRIDAY,
NAMELY A BARE ALTAR, EMPTY TABERNACLE, AND
A COVERED CRUCIFIX STATUE.

Submitter comment: THE MAJOR PURPOSE OF THIS CEREMONY IS TO GET A FEEL FOR
THE MOOD AND SETTING OF THE FINAL DAYS OF CHRIST ON EARTH. THIS
EXPLAINS THE ABSENCE OR CONCEALMENT OF POST-RESURRECTION
OBJECTS IN CHURCH.

Where learned: DETROIT

Date learned: 04-00-1975